Enrique: 'This is my Roma!'

Luis Enrique insists his project is developing, even through defeats, to push for third place. “This is my Roma.”

Luis Enrique insists his project is developing, even through defeats, to push for third place. “This is my Roma.”

The fans staged a protest yesterday after the 4-2 loss to Lecce, but the Giallorossi got back on track and moved within a point of fourth position thanks to their 3-1 victory over Udinese.[12]

“This is my Roma. This season there have been too many defeats, which is bad for the fans, the club and us, but this squad has character and wants to stay close to the teams fighting for Europe.

“I am happy for my lads, as they deserved this victory tonight. We have also lost games with Francesco, so you cannot say it was just Totti who changed the team. Besides, Lecce beat Catania this evening, so they are clearly not that bad.

“It was wonderful to see the faith of the fans during the game and they behaved wonderfully. The enthusiasm was not there before the match, but they helped us to get the better of a great team like Udinese.

“It’s true we’ve had some terrible results, but we must’ve done something right to stay up there fighting for the Champions League.

“It’s too easy for a Coach to say ‘my team’ is the one that wins! I take ownership of the heavy defeats too, as those are what help you to grow. We have players who are growing and in future will bring Roma great success, or at least I hope they will. There are many young lads here and that has to be recognised.”

Enrique was asked whether Daniele De Rossi will move to the centre-back position permanently after a fine performance tonight.

“It’s possible, but I think with three games in a week it might be physically difficult for him, as he has been carrying this hip problem for a while now. I always want to play with as much quality in defence as possible, as that is where moves begin from, so Daniele can take both roles. That’s important to have these options over the course of a season.”

Do Not Exclude From Feeds

See the latest Serie A predictions and betting tips with Eurotips.co.uk[13]